Estimated turnout of 1,000 makes first day of El Cajon Farmers’ Market successful

An estimated 1,000 people visited El Cajon on March 21, the opening day of the new Downtown El Cajon Farmers’ Market, a project of the International Resource Committee (IRC). An idea planted by the IRC with the support of the city of El Cajon, the market took about six months to plan and organize.

According to Ralph Achenbach, food and marketing coordinator of the farmer’s market, “The plan is to continue to grow the venue, enliven the community and support local farmers and vendors.
“We strive to provide high-quality reasonably-priced produce to customers,” Achenbach said.

Bob Montgomery, executive director of the IRC in San Diego, welcomed everyone to the event. “We had a better turnout than we even expected,” he said. “Projects like these often don’t get past the city organizers very well. In the case of El Cajon, everyone was extremely helpful.

“I can’t thank them enough,” Montgomery said. “And I also thank state Sen. Joel Anderson for his support. He is here today to see the market get off to a good start,” he added.

During the event, Anderson, who shook hands with Montgomery said, “The market is a success, and I thank you, Bob Montgomery,” while giving Montgomery a certificate of Highest Community Achievement.
The El Cajon Farmers’ Market will take place every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. on the Prescott Promenade.